An early morning mountain view from our room greeted us. In the misty distance Kantajama loomed with its attendants. It was a wonderful way to start the day.
Many of us are sick. Lou still has her bad cough and my cold has settled on my chest. And we're still not at the halfway point. This is turning into an endurance contest.
Our bus bit the dust, too. The clutch gave out after we visited a monastery. But, after a long delay, we boarded a second bus that was similar to, but even more ornery than the old tank. Nevertheless, the new bus and driver got us out of Gangtok and into more hill country to the small village of Martam, a tiny speck on the map.
On the way to Martam, we visited another handicraft school, an Institute of Tibetology, which contained some interesting artifacts, a second monastery that is home to an official, the "Panchem" Lama, who is more senior to the Dalai Lama ... because he is reincarnated 17 times, compared to only 14 for the Dalai Lama.
Despite the hardships that some have faced, or are facing on this trip, we counted our blessings. We saw another lovely although cloud covered sunrise view of the mountain, we met more friendly Sikkimese people, especially children, we peered into the mystery of Tibet at the border, and, thanks to our wonderful group leader Subash, we had a small turkey for our Thanksgiving tonight. Even the Americans on our tour were appreciative! We're learning to be thankful and take good things as they come.
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| Lou at Gangtok |
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| Handicraft school |
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| Institute of Tibetology |
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| Institute of Tibetology |
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| View of Gangtok |
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| Rumtek monastery |
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| Rumtek monastery |
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| Institute of Tibetology |
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